Saturday, August 26, 2017
Friday, October 18, 2013
Hasta la Vista Sachin!!
“Love me or hate me, both are in my favor…If you love me, I'll always be in your heart…If you hate me, I'll always be in your mind.”
― William ShakespeareIt's all Tendulkar everywhere. Sachin's choice to quit all forms of Cricket after his 200th Test next month was literally heart breaking. It's not that we were not aware of this very upsetting decision but when it comes to the legend of Cricket, the field is definitely different and empty without him.
I believe, criticism is directly proportional to work done. The better the work is, the more criticism it attracts. And so Sachin must be enjoying every bit of these. The man has grown with his critics since the last 24 years and took great care to see that his roots are not destroyed by them.
May it be Shoaib Akhtar or Adam Gilchrist's autobiography, even they did not spare the opportunity of criticizing the little master. Now Ricky Ponting too has joined the club by writing about the 'Monkeygate' scandal in his soon to be released autobiography, At the Close of Play. Ordinary people curse him everyday. From this, one thing is certain. Sachin dwells in every heart or mind.
In the Ramayan, Ram always lingered in Ravana's mind making his life miserable, similarly Kansa's mind was pre-occupied continuously by Krishna's deeds which troubled him every moment. Ram and Krishna were generous enough to provide 'moksha' to these poor souls just because they always thought about the lord.
Then if for millions of his fans Cricket is a religion - Sachin is God, may be his criticizers too will attain financial, intellectual and other cricketing 'Mokshas by thinking, talking and writing about him day in and day out.
This god is also generous enough to his critics, not to utter anything against them, since any publicity is useful publicity. So, even after his retirement, for time eternal, he will continue providing enough fuel for the cricketing (and economic) betterment of so many involved in this game.
Not all are blessed in abundance but there are a few and one of them is Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
A Letter To The Supreme Court Of India
One of my friend wanted me to express my views on the recent dreadful Delhi gang rape incident in the form of a letter to the Supreme Court of India. Her group had taken the initiative of collecting such letters and posting them. Many thoughts were running in my mind but couldn't put them down on the paper that easily. I tried my best to speak up my mind and heart once and for all...
To,
The Chief Justice,
Supreme Court of India
New Delhi
Respected Sir,
I am writing this letter to you to convey my sincere feelings and some humble suggestions towards improvement of safety conditions for women in India.
While incidences like Delhi gang rape one are very common in India, this one fortunately received appropriate media coverage and public support. It is high time for us to act upon it. The overall public emotion is that the law and order situation is de-grading at a rapid pace and at the same time new heinous criminals like those Delhi scoundrels are coming into existence at an equally fast pace.
While the reasons for the above could be many, I do not want to discuss them here and directly want to come to the point of what we could do to get this situation under control as soon as possible.
While I suppose a more comprehensive plan is being thought about, the above two recommendations are more relevant to the judiciary to start with. I hope the judiciary acts on them without any further delay.
Thanking you.
I handed over my feelings to her with the hope that they reach the concerned authority and proper actions are taken as soon as possible. I know that my ordinary letter won't make any difference, rather I am sure nobody will even read it, there may be thousands who have reacted on this issue through letters, mails, tweets and so on..... But nevertheless, keeping my fingers crossed.....for a better, safer India.
To,
The Chief Justice,
Supreme Court of India
New Delhi
Respected Sir,
I am writing this letter to you to convey my sincere feelings and some humble suggestions towards improvement of safety conditions for women in India.
While incidences like Delhi gang rape one are very common in India, this one fortunately received appropriate media coverage and public support. It is high time for us to act upon it. The overall public emotion is that the law and order situation is de-grading at a rapid pace and at the same time new heinous criminals like those Delhi scoundrels are coming into existence at an equally fast pace.
While the reasons for the above could be many, I do not want to discuss them here and directly want to come to the point of what we could do to get this situation under control as soon as possible.
- Improve speed of justice through better prioritisation of matters.
- Adding more severe and innovative punishments to your kitty; something more than mere imprisonment and some petty amounts as fine. Even children are not afraid of these today.
While I suppose a more comprehensive plan is being thought about, the above two recommendations are more relevant to the judiciary to start with. I hope the judiciary acts on them without any further delay.
Thanking you.
A common Indian woman,
Mrs. Radha Samant
Pune
I handed over my feelings to her with the hope that they reach the concerned authority and proper actions are taken as soon as possible. I know that my ordinary letter won't make any difference, rather I am sure nobody will even read it, there may be thousands who have reacted on this issue through letters, mails, tweets and so on..... But nevertheless, keeping my fingers crossed.....for a better, safer India.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
1st November 2012; Pune Bus Day
Today morning one of my friends rushed to me and told me that she would appear on tomorrow's news paper. On hearing the news I was very happy for her but on knowing the reason, my joyful face changed to an annoyed one within a fraction of a second. I swallowed my anger which was not appropriate at that point of time when she had come with lots of expectations of adorable words from me. At times I am a very good actor and so my expressions were enough for her to leave my house contented.
Some time back the great minds of Pune thought of a Bus Day. The initiative was taken by Sakaal Times. The aim was discarding the private vehicles for a day. Since then, a special supplement was added to the newspaper. All the national and international news were considered inferior however important they may be.The news of 'Sandy' too was somewhere in one corner of the paper. Forget about Rahul or Sonia Gandhi, even Sachin was given the back seat (unless he was commenting on this Bus day).
However, Sakaal readers gained a lot of knowledge regarding pollution and the diseases caused due to air pollution which they might have not got in their entire life span through different experts. The supplement and the first few pages were occupied by the dialogues of all political parties, civic bodies, professionals, police etc supporting the cause which was totally humorous. The pictures appearing on the front pages of different school's staff and students, bank employees, police officers were literally irritating. My friend too was one of them giving that weird pose as if they had achieved something great. May it be people sponsoring 1kg of Basmati rice for the first 100 or 1000 travellers, students getting together and cleaning the buses, various well-known personalities commenting on the same in the form of praises or even the donations given for the so-called 'big day' seems a child's play.
Can a single day bring that change which is needed? Whenever I think of this 'Bus Day' I relate it to my college days when we celebrated Black and White Day, Traditional Day, Rose Day and so on which was great fun. Similarly, are we trying to make this Bus Day an entertaining issue? It probably is......nothing more than that.
Lage Raho Sakaal..... who's next?
However, Sakaal readers gained a lot of knowledge regarding pollution and the diseases caused due to air pollution which they might have not got in their entire life span through different experts. The supplement and the first few pages were occupied by the dialogues of all political parties, civic bodies, professionals, police etc supporting the cause which was totally humorous. The pictures appearing on the front pages of different school's staff and students, bank employees, police officers were literally irritating. My friend too was one of them giving that weird pose as if they had achieved something great. May it be people sponsoring 1kg of Basmati rice for the first 100 or 1000 travellers, students getting together and cleaning the buses, various well-known personalities commenting on the same in the form of praises or even the donations given for the so-called 'big day' seems a child's play.
Can a single day bring that change which is needed? Whenever I think of this 'Bus Day' I relate it to my college days when we celebrated Black and White Day, Traditional Day, Rose Day and so on which was great fun. Similarly, are we trying to make this Bus Day an entertaining issue? It probably is......nothing more than that.
Lage Raho Sakaal..... who's next?
Monday, September 10, 2012
Aala Re Aala....
Don't be surprised if.....
Sachin Tendulkar takes off his Shirt on the ground even after an ordinary match win.
Virat Kohli not only shows his frustration by mere words but at times he even uses his hands and legs.
Ashish Nehra enters into a dispute over several misunderstandings with the Team India coach Duncan Fletcher, even after knowing the fact that he is not at all wanted by the team.
Sehwag is seen with a bossy attitude even though it looks very funny on him.
After so many years Parthiv Patel dusts the responsibility of twelfth man as he feels organising equipment and drinks for the players and delivering messages is below his social status.
Sreesanth refuses to obey the cricket authorities as he feels he can do wonders without such silly peoples' interference.
Robin Uthappa asks Yuvraj to carry back his (Robin's) gloves and helmet during his walk back to the pavillion after a hard earned 25 runs.
Ajinkya Rahane raises his bat after his 50 towards the empty home balcony in pride....
Mahendra Singh Dhoni arrives late for every toss not only against Australia or South Africa but against all International teams.
Suresh Raina fails miserably in running between the wickets.
The constant catch drops and hurting themselves on every catch makes the team collectively take the decision of not catching the ball hence forth, however simple the catch may be.
And how do I know that all of the above going to happen for sure? Well, Hoshiyar, Dada Indian team ke coach ke roop mein waapas aa rahe hain!!
Whatever may be the effects, I am longing for that 'Unlimited Dadagiri'. You never know this arrogance of the team may be helpful during foreign visits. We are a bit bored of this cool and calm Indian cricket team.
Sachin Tendulkar takes off his Shirt on the ground even after an ordinary match win.
Virat Kohli not only shows his frustration by mere words but at times he even uses his hands and legs.
Ashish Nehra enters into a dispute over several misunderstandings with the Team India coach Duncan Fletcher, even after knowing the fact that he is not at all wanted by the team.
Sehwag is seen with a bossy attitude even though it looks very funny on him.
After so many years Parthiv Patel dusts the responsibility of twelfth man as he feels organising equipment and drinks for the players and delivering messages is below his social status.
Sreesanth refuses to obey the cricket authorities as he feels he can do wonders without such silly peoples' interference.
Robin Uthappa asks Yuvraj to carry back his (Robin's) gloves and helmet during his walk back to the pavillion after a hard earned 25 runs.
Ajinkya Rahane raises his bat after his 50 towards the empty home balcony in pride....
Mahendra Singh Dhoni arrives late for every toss not only against Australia or South Africa but against all International teams.
Suresh Raina fails miserably in running between the wickets.
The constant catch drops and hurting themselves on every catch makes the team collectively take the decision of not catching the ball hence forth, however simple the catch may be.
And how do I know that all of the above going to happen for sure? Well, Hoshiyar, Dada Indian team ke coach ke roop mein waapas aa rahe hain!!
Whatever may be the effects, I am longing for that 'Unlimited Dadagiri'. You never know this arrogance of the team may be helpful during foreign visits. We are a bit bored of this cool and calm Indian cricket team.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Ajmal Kasab Zindabad...It happens only in India!!
"WOW" rushed from my mouth on reading the headline on today's newspaper- "India's Supreme Court confirmed the death sentence handed down to Ajmal Kasab". I genuinely felt that this was the day we all Indians were waiting for.
And then there was this time when I was fully intoxicated with the news, one of my close friend's Mom said, "Why the hell should that moron be hanged in Pune? Why do they want to commit the sin of hanging him here in our "Punyanagari?". I know the importance of respecting the elders but this opinion of the old Aunt amused me. I was helpless and just gazed at her without opening my mouth....full of outrageous words.
Mere decision from the Supreme Court is not enough kaku!!. There is a lengthy procedure for the final verdict. After loosing the Supreme Court petition Kasab will be given a chance to ask for mercy to our new President Pranab Mukherjee. I even read that he (Pranavda I mean) already has another 11 cases to be considered. Not only that, only 1 execution has taken place in India in 15 years. Well, looking at all this I only try to convince my mind with the fact that hope itself is a medium of happiness.
When all such complications persist at this initial stage what made Kaku think over a matter which has not taken any shape as yet, and give invitation to hypertension? I want to shout and say, Aunty, don't worry, he will die a natural death (or maybe, due to overeating biryani) before they hang him, lot more obstacles to be overcome. And worst case, if the number of these obstacles is still not enough, we can add yours and many more to that list.
It happens only in India. Mera Bharat Mahaan....Someone rightly called this habit of ours, 'Sadguna Vikruti'....which has bitten us so many times right from Mahmood Ghouri to Masood Azhar. Lekin hum nahin sudhrenge!!
And then there was this time when I was fully intoxicated with the news, one of my close friend's Mom said, "Why the hell should that moron be hanged in Pune? Why do they want to commit the sin of hanging him here in our "Punyanagari?". I know the importance of respecting the elders but this opinion of the old Aunt amused me. I was helpless and just gazed at her without opening my mouth....full of outrageous words.
Mere decision from the Supreme Court is not enough kaku!!. There is a lengthy procedure for the final verdict. After loosing the Supreme Court petition Kasab will be given a chance to ask for mercy to our new President Pranab Mukherjee. I even read that he (Pranavda I mean) already has another 11 cases to be considered. Not only that, only 1 execution has taken place in India in 15 years. Well, looking at all this I only try to convince my mind with the fact that hope itself is a medium of happiness.
When all such complications persist at this initial stage what made Kaku think over a matter which has not taken any shape as yet, and give invitation to hypertension? I want to shout and say, Aunty, don't worry, he will die a natural death (or maybe, due to overeating biryani) before they hang him, lot more obstacles to be overcome. And worst case, if the number of these obstacles is still not enough, we can add yours and many more to that list.
It happens only in India. Mera Bharat Mahaan....Someone rightly called this habit of ours, 'Sadguna Vikruti'....which has bitten us so many times right from Mahmood Ghouri to Masood Azhar. Lekin hum nahin sudhrenge!!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Old is gold....not in today's world
I hate to curse my darling actor, Aamir over and over. But when it comes to the matter of eye-opener-Satyamev Jayate it can't be neglected. Here it becomes essential to open my loudmouth just to express my feelings.
The last episode was the reality of life of the old people who are discarded from the house by their children on the pretext of so called busy life. Initially, the topic seemed interesting but gradually found that the script was totally messed up. On some occasions it was extremely difficult to understand whether Aamir was supporting the idea of getting rid of parents or was against it.
The Actor was stressing on the concept of old age homes and things of that sort in every state. He felt it necessary that the number of old age homes with variety of entertainment centers in-built are essential. Not only this, it showed some of the old age homes how they try to make these old people happy and carefree.
Every minute I felt as if it was a medium through which they were tempting us to take that horrifying step of just leaving our parents like orphans. Were they trying to impose the culture of dusting our responsibilities towards elders when they need us the most? Its truly a shame on our part when there is an increase in such old age homes which only shows our selfish nature. No person can live such a beautiful life with whatsoever pleasures when given if he is kept away from his/her family.
Add to that innovative ideas like remarriage, live-in relationships and what not, so that elders can become 'independent' (good riddance!!). The medicine is more dangerous than the disease.
I too find it very difficult to behave so, but sincerely pray on everyone's behalf that, none of us ever get this evil thought of separating our parents from the most beautiful place of their life-Home Sweet Home.
Finally, a pure selfish reasoning behind why we should actually avoid making them happy through the above "other means". Right from the Kautilya Arthashastra (http://satyameva-jayate.org/2011/03/01/sukhasya-moolam/ slightly modified)
The last episode was the reality of life of the old people who are discarded from the house by their children on the pretext of so called busy life. Initially, the topic seemed interesting but gradually found that the script was totally messed up. On some occasions it was extremely difficult to understand whether Aamir was supporting the idea of getting rid of parents or was against it.
The Actor was stressing on the concept of old age homes and things of that sort in every state. He felt it necessary that the number of old age homes with variety of entertainment centers in-built are essential. Not only this, it showed some of the old age homes how they try to make these old people happy and carefree.
Every minute I felt as if it was a medium through which they were tempting us to take that horrifying step of just leaving our parents like orphans. Were they trying to impose the culture of dusting our responsibilities towards elders when they need us the most? Its truly a shame on our part when there is an increase in such old age homes which only shows our selfish nature. No person can live such a beautiful life with whatsoever pleasures when given if he is kept away from his/her family.
Add to that innovative ideas like remarriage, live-in relationships and what not, so that elders can become 'independent' (good riddance!!). The medicine is more dangerous than the disease.
I too find it very difficult to behave so, but sincerely pray on everyone's behalf that, none of us ever get this evil thought of separating our parents from the most beautiful place of their life-Home Sweet Home.
Finally, a pure selfish reasoning behind why we should actually avoid making them happy through the above "other means". Right from the Kautilya Arthashastra (http://satyameva-jayate.org/2011/03/01/sukhasya-moolam/ slightly modified)
1. Sukhasya moolam Dharmah
Meaning – The basis of “sukha” or all true pleasantness is “dharma” or righteous conduct.
2. Dharmasya moolam Arthah
Meaning- The basis of all “dharma” is “artha” or wealth. (empty stomach knows no righteousness)
3. Arthasya moolam Rajyam
Meaning – The basis of all “artha” is “rajya” or the State (only a well managed state can ensure that people can earn good wealth).
4. Rajyasya moolam Indriya Jayah
Meaning – The basis for the stability of the State lies in control over the “indriya“ or sense faculties providing pleasure (only those with high self-control can take wise decisions without falling prey to sense faculties).
5. Indriyajayasya moolam Vinayah
Meaning – The basis for control over the sense faculties is in “vinay” or humility. ( humility cleanses you from within)
6. Vinayasya moolam Vruddhopasevah
Meaning – The basis for humility is service to those grown old through wisdom.
7. Vruddhopasevaya Vijnanam
Meaning – Through service of those old people, one attains knowledge (through their vast experience).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)